AMA Tasmania congratulates the state government on securing new GP training model
For many years now, the AMA has lobbied the government for a fairer model for the employment of GP registrars in Tasmania that delivers wages and conditions comparable to non-GP registrars colleagues employed in public hospitals, improves the standards of employment for GP registrars and bolsters General Practice as an attractive vocational pathway for prevocational doctors.
Today's joint announcement by the Federal and State government that Tasmania has been chosen as the first state to roll out this model is excellent news. It shows that the government is listening at all levels, demonstrates an even-handed approach and supports equity for all doctors in training, not just those traditionally employed under the state model.
AMA Tasmania President Dr John Saul said “with many barriers already in place when choosing your medical pathway, providing parity and fairness in training across the board helps remove uncertainty. The lack of parity with public hospital employment conditions is a significant disincentive for young doctors to pursue a career in general practice.
“These changes are both welcomed and necessary to support our vital GP workforce, which continues to shrink, particularly in Tasmania.”
Not only will this new model of employment for GP registrars help keep them within the state system through their training years, but for those choosing to live and practice in a rural area, it will also remove the hindrance of the pay cut and inferior access to entitlements currently being experienced and provide them with the same security and continuity as their colleagues.
For close to a decade the number of applications for GP training places has rapidly declined, and there has been a significant drop in the number of first-year GP training posts filled. Similarly, there has been a decline in medical students expressing interest in a general practice career at graduation.
With Tasmania's population expanding, ageing, and developing more complex health needs as chronic disease and mental ill-health continue to increase, there has never been a better time to think differently.
These distinctive models of employment reform are long overdue to incentivise a career in general practice and to support the capacity of our practices to continue providing quality and accessible care to all Tasmanians into the future.
Dr John Saul AMA Tasmania President added “this new plan is a welcomed step in the right direction; however, the problem of GP shortages is in more than just rural and regional areas. We urge the Premier and the Prime Minister to go one step further and secure a single employer model for all GP Registrars across Tasmania.” >>>ENDS
